A starving dog allegedly resorted to chewing her own leg off after her neglectful owner left her chained up, the Susquehanna SPCA has revealed on their Facebook page.
The German shepherd, named Zoe, was found by a UPS delivery driver chained up in a backyard. She was suffering from multiple health ailments, but most noticeably she was missing her front left leg.
The vets immediately tended to the starving dog, and found bones in her stomach. Zoe's leg could not be recovered. It is believed the Zoe may have chewed off her leg as a result of the chronic pain after she was found in.
More on this story in the video below:Posting to their Facebook wall on November 15, the animal group said:
"We do not often share with the general public the behind the scenes work that we do but what we experienced yesterday must be shared.
"Yesterday afternoon we received a report of suspected animal cruelty where a dog tied out to inadequate shelter looked like her leg had been "blown off" and was not receiving care.
"With the help of Otsego County 911, the New York State Police, Heritage Veterinary Clinic, Oneonta Veterinary Hospital and Anita Vitullo of Staffworks, we saved Zoe. Zoe is the senior German Shepard pictured here who was in need of immediate medical attention."
Per News10, UPS driver Mark McGee, the hero who discovered the traumatized dog, said: "I did a double-take. I’m like you’ve got to be kidding me. I knock on the door, nobody answered. It looked like to me like it was shot off."
The New York State Police also took to Facebook to comment on Zoe's discovery and confirmed that her owner - 59-year-old Carl K. Pritchard - had been arrested. They posted:
"This is Zoe, she was found last week missing her left limb. Veterinarians in Otsego County believe she chewed off her own arm, she was found with no food and water, living outside in a plastic pet crate with hay inside."
The post continued: "Her owner, Carl K. Pritchard, age 59 of Exeter was arrested and charged with Agriculture and Markets Law Agriculture and Markets Law overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance (misdemeanor) and failure to provide appropriate shelter for dogs left outdoors (violation).
Zoe was cared for by the Susquehanna SPCA, veterinarians in Otsego County and is now at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine."
In an update to Zoe's tragic story, the Susquehanna SPCA posted the following yesterday evening:
"Your positive thoughts/vibes/prayers are critical tonight and tomorrow. Zoe’s CT scan today at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine animal hospital revealed potential good news in that the very large mass on her shoulder and into her chest looks to be a fatty tumor and not cancerous.
"The bad news is this mass must be removed for her to survive and the surgeons describe the procedure scheduled for tomorrow to be palliative and dangerous. Her age, heart murmur, and anemia are all very serious issues to be managed during a risky procedure. The risk is increased because removing the mass will involve navigating arteries.
"This chance to survive and live a peaceful life is made possible by the many caring people who have contributed to her care. Thank you so much."
This incredible rescue dog was discovered with a second tail growing out of its head:We wish Zoe and all of those caring for her the very best, and we hope recovery goes well. Anybody looking to help with Zoe's care can contribute online at www.sqspca.org.
